Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Portugal
Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte is a distinguished researcher in pharmaceutical technology and nanomedicine. He earned his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences – Nanotechnologies from the University of Porto and the University of Copenhagen in 2016, supported by an FCT scholarship. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve and leads the Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Lab at CCMAR and iBB, IST–ULisboa. With over 63 peer-reviewed publications, 11 book chapters, and an h-index of 31, he has been recognized among the Top 2% Scientists globally by Stanford University/Elsevier since 2021. His research focuses on nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, having mentored numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers. He previously held academic and leadership positions at Lusófona University and has contributed to international scientific bodies, including COST and the Science Fund of Serbia. Dr. Fonte is also an editor and author of several scientific books and experimental protocols in his field.
Publication Profile
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Academic Background
Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte has a strong multidisciplinary academic background, integrating pharmaceutical sciences, nanotechnology, and business management. He earned his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences – Nanotechnologies in 2016 from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (Portugal), and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Denmark), under the supervision of Drs. Bruno Sarmento, Salette Reis, and Marco van de Weert. His thesis, titled “Optimization of lyophilization parameters of polymeric nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic proteins,” was completed with distinction and supported by an FCT scholarship (SFRH/BD/78127/2011). In 2012, he obtained an MBA in Business Management and Administration from Lusíada University, Porto, with a classification of 15 values. Prior to this, he completed an Integrated Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2010 and a Bachelor’s degree in the same field in 2009 at the Advanced Institute of Health Sciences – North, CESPU, Gandra-Prd, Portugal, with classifications of 15 and 14 values, respectively.
Professional Journey
Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte has established a distinguished academic and research career in biomaterials and nanomedicine. Since October 2019, he has served as Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve and Group Leader at Fonte’s Lab, affiliated with CCMAR and iBB, both recognized research units in Portugal. He is also an integrated member of CCMAR and a collaborating researcher at iBB. Previously, Dr. Fonte held positions at Lusófona University, including Assistant Professor, Director of the Biomedical Nanoscience Lab, and Group Leader in Biomaterials. He was also affiliated with LAQV/REQUIMTE and UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, both classified as excellent R&D units. His doctoral studies spanned institutions like the University of Porto, University of Copenhagen, and University of Lisbon, supported by FCT grants. Earlier in his career, he undertook multiple internships and fellowships in hospital, community pharmacy, and clinical labs, laying the groundwork for his pioneering work in nanomedicine and drug delivery.
Teaching and Pedagogical Contributions
Prof. Pedro Fonte has made remarkable contributions to academic development through the creation and dissemination of high-quality pedagogical materials in pharmaceutical technology and nanomedicine. His scholarly dedication is evident in the authorship of 11 textbook publications and 4 detailed experimental protocols, which serve as valuable resources for students and researchers alike. He has also contributed 7 encyclopaedia entries and 4 insightful articles to magazines and newsletters, enhancing public and academic understanding of complex scientific topics. Embracing modern educational tools, Prof. Fonte has developed 5 computer applications and 3 experimental prototypes that support interactive learning and research. Furthermore, he has produced a wide array of teaching materials tailored to various educational levels and contexts. His pedagogical work reflects a deep commitment to fostering learning through innovative and accessible content, positioning him as a key academic figure in advancing education in pharmaceutical sciences and nanomedicine across national and international platforms.
Research Focus
Prof. Pedro Fonte’s research is centered on advanced drug delivery systems, with a particular emphasis on nanotechnology, biomaterials, and biopharmaceuticals. His work spans a diverse range of applications, including wound healing, cancer therapy, tuberculosis treatment, and oral and inhalable delivery of therapeutic proteins and peptides. He has made substantial contributions to the development of nanoparticle-based systems, such as PLGA nanoparticles, mesoporous silica carriers, and lipid-based nanostructures, aimed at enhancing the stability, targeting, and bioavailability of drugs. His recent publications highlight innovations in freeze-drying of biopharmaceuticals, mucoadhesive systems, and nanonutraceuticals. Prof. Fonte also explores the biomedical application of sustainable materials like carbon dots in imaging and treatment, demonstrating a strong commitment to translational research. His multidisciplinary collaborations and editorial contributions to high-impact journals and books further emphasize his leading role in pharmaceutical nanotechnology and the development of next-generation therapeutics for chronic and infectious diseases
Publication Top Notes
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Delivery of therapeutic proteins for wound healing (book chapter, 2024) –ScienceDirect+9OUCI+9cienciavitae.pt+9
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Drug delivery systems for mouth wound healing (book chapter, 2024) – cienciavitae.pt+1ResearchGate+1
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Unravelling the drying techniques of protein biopharmaceuticals (book chapter, 2024) –cienciavitae.pt+1ResearchGate+1
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Inhalable N‑Acetylcysteine‑loaded Lactose‑coated PLGA Nanoparticles for Tuberculosis Treatment (Journal article, 2025)
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Impact of chain‑length of sulfhydryl‑modified surface‑decorated surfactants on mucoadhesive nanostructured lipid carriers (Journal article, 2025)
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Recent advances in antibacterial nanoformulations for endodontic applications (Journal article, 2025)
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Camptothecin‑loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles… skin cancer treatment (Journal article, 2024)
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Transforming cancer treatment: The potential of nanonutraceuticals (Journal article, 2024)